67310 - Northern Literatures (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the classes the student will have theoretical and methodological instruments in order to know Nordic literatures. Nordic literatures it means literary expressions in Danish, Feroese, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish languages, from the very beginnings to the contemporary age. Due to the strong linguistic and cultural similitude, the classes will follow a comparatistic approach to Nordic literatures taking into account also other arts (painting, movie, music, etc.). The student will be able to know the most important social aspects of the Nordic culture which will be useful in a larger humanistic learning.

Course contents

1st Semester: (from 26th September) 30 hours (6 CFU)

Landscapes

The relationship between humans and the surrounding landscape is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. How do we perceive and interact with the world around us? How much do our emotional states and past experiences influence our perception of space? These two questions will serve as the guiding thread of this analysis of Nordic literary production, which will examine the relationship between humans and the surrounding landscape. The North is frequently depicted as a realm of primordial, untamed nature. Those who journey to Scandinavia or Iceland ‒ in search of the sublime ‒ encounter a Nordic landscape that is, in fact, far more intricate and dynamic, in a constant state of flux and interaction with humanity. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the concept of landscape, and the specific characteristics of the Nordic countries, we will examine a selection of emblematic works by Nordic authors.

Readings/Bibliography

Works:

- Jens Peter Jacobsen, La signora Fönss, Milano, Bompiani, 1943

- August Strindberg, Solo, Milano, Carbonio, 2021

-Gunnar Gunnarsson, Il pastore d'Islanda, Milano, Iperborea, 2016

- Thor Vilhjálmsson, Il muschio grigio arde, Milano, Iperborea, 2002

- Jon Fosse, Un bagliore, Milano, La nave di Teseo, 2024

Critical studies:

- Materials (video, powerpoint, ecc.) charged on Virtuale platform.

- Storia delle letterature scandinave. Dalle origini a oggi, a cura di Massimo Ciaravolo, Milano, Iperborea, 2019, pp. 281-292, 322-334, 489-496, 719-722, 776-777, 780-781.

- Claudio Ferrata, L'esperienza del paesaggio. Vivere, comprendere e trasformare i luoghi, Roma, Carocci, 2017, pp. 21-55, 63-71.

- Michael Jakob, Paesaggio e letteratura, Firenze, Leo S. Olschki, 2005, pp. 7-11, 20-49

- other essays charged on Virtuale by the teacher

Non attending students:

To the bibliography above must be added:

- Davidson, Peter, L'idea di Nord, Roma, Donzelli, 2005 (full reading).

- Giorgio Bertone, Lo sguardo escluso. L'idea di paesaggio nella letteratura occidentale, Novara, Interlinea, 1999, pp. 11-83.

Teaching methods

Front lessons. No recording of the lessons will be provided.

Assessment methods

The exam consists inan oral interview. During the interview the methodological and critical skills acquired by the student willbe evaluated. The student will be invited to discuss the texts covered during the course andtomove within the sources and bibliographical material in order to be able to identify in them the useful information that will enableto illustrate the similarities and cultural areas of the discipline. The achievementof an organic vision of the issues addressed during the classes and theircritical use, which demonstrateownership of a mastery of expression and specific language, will be assessed with marks of excellence. Mechanical and / or mnemonic knowledge of matter, synthesis and analysis of non-articulating and / or correct language but not always appropriatewill lead to discrete assessments; training gaps and / or inappropriate language - although in a context of minimal knowledgeof the material - will lead to votes that will not exceed the sufficiency. Training gaps, inappropriate language, lack of guidance within the reference materials offered during the course will lead to failed assessments.

Teaching tools

During the course, some audiovisual material will be used. Teaching material will be posted on the web platform of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Alessandro Zironi